The Problem with Generic TikTok Health Trends

I’ve alluded to this in the past but now I’m going to come right out and say it—you probably shouldn’t be taking suggestions from people on TikTok. And I’m going to make my case in a mini-series of blogs that will also keep you entertained and give you practical tips. I promise.

Reason #1 Not to Take Random Influencers' Advice:

One Disease Can Have Many Symptoms…

This means you can’t just take an herb for headaches. You need to know what type of headache it is and how it’s affecting you. 

A timely way to illustrate this is with seasonal allergies. Most people picture seasonal allergies as the way pharmaceuticals represent them—red, itchy eyes, and sneezing. However, that isn’t actually the most common way they affect y'all. What seasonal allergies look like for most of you is:

• Difficulty focusing/Foggy Head

• Nausea

• Acid Reflux

• Headaches

This means that if you’re taking an herb for nausea but the cause is congestion, you at best won’t get better, and at worst, it can cause harm.

While we’re on the topic of seasonal allergies (because Ragweed season is upon us), I can’t count how many people have told me they “don’t have allergies” or “aren’t congested,” and then I do the sinus congestion relief spots and they feel instantly better.

And knowledge is power—so if you don’t know you have them, you can’t do anything to help yourself.

That's why I recommend everyone consider that during peak allergen season (ie about now), they’re likely being impacted and should do some self-care, including:

Acupressure: This involves applying gentle pressure to specific points on the body to alleviate symptoms. For seasonal allergies, focus on points such as LI 20 (beside the nostrils) and Yin Tang (between the eyebrows). This can help reduce sinus congestion and headaches. Here’s a video to show the spots.

Using a Jade Roller: A jade roller can help stimulate lymphatic drainage and reduce puffiness. Roll it gently over your face, particularly around the eyes and across the forehead, to relieve sinus pressure and enhance circulation.

Essential Oil Steam: Using eucalyptus or peppermint oil in a steam inhalation can open up nasal passages and clear congestion. Add a few drops of essential oil to a bowl of hot water, place a towel over your head, and inhale the steam deeply for a few minutes.

Or come in for a late summer tune-up. This will set you up for a healthy, happy transition to fall.